On Friday, October 12 the Fairfield Glade Hikers will hike Stone Door to Greeter Falls in the South Cumberland Recreation Area (Savage Gulf).

We will hike from the Stone Door Ranger Station and trail head to Greeter Falls trail head. The Stone Door is similar to Maude’s Crack but wider and has stairs. The hike will take us down through the Stone Door chasm then back out again to connect with the Big Creek Rim Trail.

We will hike past a number of extraordinary vista views and overlooks to the connector trail with the Greeter Falls Trail. There may be one stream crossing on the Greeter Trail depending on rainfall.

Once on the Greeter Falls Trail we will go past the Boardtree Falls, then down a spiral staircase to Upper and Lower Greeter Falls. Depending on time we will visit the Greeter Homestead and the Blue Hole swimming spot as we hike out of the gorge.

In addition, there are some stunning rock overhangs we will pass under as we hike the Greeter Falls Trail. This hike requires a car shuttle between the two trail heads. We will eat on the trail so bring lunch.

By combining the rim hike with the waterfalls we have an exceptional hike that is definitely worth the two hour drive to the Savage Gulf Recreation Area. Because of the length, car shuttle requirements, drive time and hike length, we will leave the 4-way Glade parking lot at 7 A.M., an hour earlier than our normal departure time.

Difficulty: The hike is 6.3+ miles and is moderate. All trails can have roots and rocks, so be careful. Boots are always required. A hiking stick or poles may be helpful as we trek to the Upper and Lower Greeter Falls. Bring your camera since there will be many photo ops.

Hiking has risks and safety is a high priority on every outing. Hazards include uneven trails, drop-offs, slippery rocks, stream crossings, wildlife encounters, auto accidents, etc.

The hiking group assumes no collective or individual liability for any mishaps. Hiking is at your own risk. Participants in the hikes should be in good physical condition.

Walking on paved and level surfaces does not compare with hiking on uneven trails with elevation gains and losses. Please assess your level of fitness to the difficulty of the hikes so that you can keep up with the group.

Hikers should wear good sturdy hiking boots, be prepared for changes in temperature and weather, carry a day pack with first aid gear, bring insect repellent, and plenty of water to drink. Be aware of your personal health and know your abilities/limitations.

Everybody is different. You are responsible for your own safety during the hike.

Look for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board across from the Fairfield Glade Post Office for each hike. The group will depart from the parking lot closest to the 4-way stop sign in FFG at the corner of Peavine and Stonehenge at 7 A.M. SHARP. Please be there between 6:30 A.M. and 6:45 A.M. to receive information and form carpools. If you ride with someone else to and from the hike the policy is to reimburse the driver for gas. The amount to reimburse the driver for this hike is $12 per person. Please have the correct amount.

Autumn is here with its crisp weather. Come and enjoy a day outside and appreciate the wonders of nature. For more info, call the leaders of the hike David and Sarah Southall 707-7173.

Please check out our web site by going to Google and typing in FFG Hiking.